How to Dream Academy

From zero to maker in 8 workshops. The How to Dream Academy is a hands-on tech education program where participants build real things — from their first Python script to a fully 3D-printed robot. Designed for youth in Amsterdam Zuidoost, available for schools, organizations, and communities everywhere.

What We Do

Problems We Solve

Bring a Workshop to Your OrganizationSee the Collectief

How to Dream Academy

From zero to maker in 8 workshops. The How to Dream Academy is a hands-on tech education program where participants build real things — from their first Python script to a fully 3D-printed robot. Designed for youth in Amsterdam Zuidoost, available for schools, organizations, and communities everywhere.

8 Workshops · 4 Levels

From zero to maker

Each level builds on the last. Participants choose their own path through specializations. Every workshop ends with something real.

Level 1 — Entry

De Eerste Lijn

4 weeks
Programming

Learn Python from zero. Build a program that solves a real problem. No prior experience needed.

De Dromer

4 weeks
Solarpunk Design Thinking

Turn an idea into a concept. Sketch, prototype on paper, and pitch your vision to a real audience.

Level 2 — Specialization

De Architect

8 weeks
3D Modeling

Design in SolidWorks, Blender, or Fusion 360. Learn Design for Manufacturing and produce a print-ready model.

De Maker

8 weeks
3D Printing

Operate FDM and SLA printers. Select materials, slice models, post-process parts. Leave with a production operator certificate.

De Roboticus

8 weeks
Robotics

Arduino, sensors, actuators. Design and 3D-print your own robot housing. Program it to do something useful.

Level 3 — Mastery

De Natuur-Ingenieur

12 weeks
Biomimicry

Observe nature, abstract engineering principles, validate with simulation. Design solutions inspired by biology.

De Wereldbouwer

12 weeks
Game Dev & Digital Twins

Build a playable world or interactive digital twin in Unreal Engine. From Blender modeling to real-time experience.

Level 4 — Capstone

De Meester

12 weeks
Capstone

Integrate everything you've learned. Build, present, and mentor others. Your final project — your first portfolio piece.

What Participants Get

✓

Real skills, not certificates — participants build things they can hold, show, and use

✓

A portfolio of work from day one — every workshop produces a tangible outcome

✓

Mentorship from engineers and designers who do this professionally

✓

Access to professional-grade tools: 3D printers, VR headsets, GPUs, software licenses

✓

A pathway from learning to earning — top graduates can join our commercial pipeline

✓

Community — participants join a network of makers across Amsterdam Zuidoost

What You Get

✓

Full workshop curriculum tailored to your group

✓

All equipment, software, and materials provided

✓

Participant progress tracking and assessment

✓

Certificate of completion per workshop level

✓

Pathway guidance for continued learning

✓

Post-program report for your organization

Our Capabilities

01

8 progressive workshops — from first line of code to capstone project

02

4 levels: Entry → Specialization → Mastery → Capstone

03

Each workshop ends with a tangible outcome participants take home

04

Mentorship from working professionals, not just teachers

05

All tools, software, and materials included — participants bring nothing but curiosity

06

Runs at schools, youth centers, libraries, or your own space

Problems We Solve

→

Young people in your community have no access to advanced tech tools

→

Your school or organization wants hands-on workshops that go beyond theory

→

You need a curriculum that actually leads to real skills and real work

Ready to get started?

Describe your challenge and attach any reference files. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.